live happens once!


SEVENTEEN YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG!
Since 2007, Van Wert has been known as an entertainment destination by bringing extraordinary artists to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center stage. Over 400,000 patrons have purchased tickets to see their favorite performers on this gloried stage in Northwest Ohio. This Fall, we open the Grand Lobby doors and lift the curtain on a myriad of diverse talent that continues the legacy of inspiring, educating, and entertaining residents of and visitors to Van Wert.
Here is what people are saying about their Niswonger experience:
"...absolutely beautiful performing arts center! Acoustics are great and staff working here are always super kind."
"Wonderful place to enjoy entertainment! Probably the nicest in the area. Very affordable and convenient."
"Absolutely flawless. The staff at the theater were out greeting people before the show, which turned it from just a concert into a true experience. I'm looking forward to other events at the Niswonger - even though it's a 2+ hour drive for me, it's worth it!"
On any given night the average Niswonger patron travels from 32 miles away. The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation Board, Staff, and Volunteers are honored to serve our patrons from both near and far. With a mission to provide entertainment experiences that are SO GOOD they demand a return, keeps our patrons at the very heart of our operation. Entertainment should leave you better than it found you. We are committed to your experience in Van Wert because LIVE HAPPENS ONCE.
Our opportunity to enhance your life for the better is our mission in the 90 -120 minutes that we get to spend with you. We value you and are here to entertain you!
Musically Yours, The Van Wert Live Team
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The entertainment just keeps coming. Tickets make for a great getaway, a gift, or an incentive. Purchase online, in person, or over the phone. So much to see still in 2023, and more is in store for 2024. We aim to provide diverse entertainment to inspire all!
02/02
The entertainment just keeps coming. Tickets make for a great getaway, a gift, or an incentive. Purchase online, in person, or over the phone. So much to see still in 2023, and more is in store for 2024– we aim to provide diverse entertainment to inspire all!
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years and s till going strong.
Sep 23, Saturday • 7:30 pm TIX $19-59
RaeLynn is a two-time ACM “New Female Vocalist” nominee and continues to carve her unique lane in country music with her gift for storytelling through songwriting, accented by a one-of-a-kind, electric personality. Her most recent big release in 2023 was the single “What's Wrong With That?”
Her star has continued to rise after becoming the first country face to
represent the global beauty brand Too Faced and made her acting debut in the Hallmark Channel’s “A Nashville Christmas Carol.”
Her devotion to her family and her faith, along with her passion for her values and her country run deep with her husband and brother formerly being in the military as Green Beret’s (Special Forces.) Since becoming a mother in September 2021, her outlook on life has been enriched with growing a family and leaving a legacy of purpose.
Presenting Sponsors
Oct 7, Saturday • 7:30 pm
TIX $25-49
The music of The Eagles has commanded a following by nearly every generation since 1971. The distinctive songs that transport us back to a carefree day will be featured on The Niswonger stage. Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” has risen to a level of recognition normally reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists. By respectfully and accurately reproducing
the Grammy award-winning sounds of our generation’s Greatest American Songbook, this legendary Southern California group has touched the hearts of fans all over the world. Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” is the only tribute show to have ever received “Official Authorization” to perform the Eagles catalog of music.
No need to travel down a dark desert highway to experience the songs you love.
The songs of The Eagles adds another dimension of Americana to Enrich '23.
Enrich Presenting Sponsors
• Ken & Marilyn Merkle
• Roger & Kay Okuley
4 Van Wert Live at the Niswonger / 419-238-6722 / Vanwertlive.com
Presenting
Sponsor:
Oct 14, Saturday • 7:30 pm
TIX $19-49
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical performs
“The Phony Awards”, the original improvised awards show. Master improvisers gather made-up, hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, comedy, and a ton of laughs! The
audience then votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns this Phony Award-winning song into a full-blown, improvised musical–complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, plot twists galore, and songs that you'll be humming for days!
Van Wert Live at the Niswonger / 419-238-6722 / Vanwertlive.com
Oct 28, Saturday • 7:30 pm
There's no illusion that throwing some tricks in the mix makes for a compelling series! The grand finale is Reza, a world-class touring illusionist, as part of The REZA: Edge Of Illusion Tour. Reza is recognized as one of today’s most highly sought-after entertainers in the touring illusion industry, delivering innovative, engaging, and spectacular performances worldwide. Reza’s recent tour and television appearances have astounded over 30 million viewers from across the World. Reza's Edge Of Illusion Tour is a ground-breaking grand-scale production that was designed specifically to engage with the audience in a memorable and mystifying way.
Enrich Presenting Sponsors
• Ken & Marilyn Merkle
• Roger & Kay Okuley
2023
Presenting Sponsor:
Nov 1, Wednesday • 7:00 pm
TIX $19-49
The Ohio State University Marching Band makes its grand return to Van Wert! This nationally recognized, 228-piece “Pride of the Buckeyes” is one of the few college all-brass-andpercussion bands in the U.S. and is acknowledged as the largest of its type in the world.
The Ohio State University Marching Band performs for all Ohio State Buckeye home football games, selected away games, postseason bowl games,
and additional events during the autumn semester.
Grounded in years of tradition yet propelled by innovation, The Ohio State University Marching Band, year in and year out, lives up to its nickname: The Best Damn Band in the Land.
Dr. Christopher Hoch is in his seventh year as director of Marching and Athletic Bands at The Ohio State University. An assistant professor in Ohio State’s School of Music, Dr. Hoch holds the Endowed Chair for the Director of The
Ohio State University Marching Band and also serves as associate director of university bands.
Presenting Sponsor • Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry
Supporting Sponsors
• Mel & Arlene Hurless and Edward Jones office of Eric Hurless • The Ohio State Alumni Association of Van Wert and Paulding Counties
• JoAnne Wolford
Catering Sponsors • Rockford Carryout with • Burtch Seed
• Pond Seed LLC
Nov 4, Saturday • 7:30pm
TIX $39-99
THE AMERICAN BAND TOUR 2023, brings seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans who are discovering the group for the first time together to celebrate 50 YEARS of Grand Funk Railroad.
Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, We're
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
An American Band) and bassist Mel Schacher, "The God Of Thunder".
Joining Don and Mel are true "All Stars".
Singer Max Carl is a rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38's biggest hit "Second Chance" and was co-founder of California's legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf, and Billy Squier. Keyboardist Tim Cashion, affectionately called "Dr. Tim", has
credits including stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer. The multitalented band carries on the tradition of Grand Funk hits and creates a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad. All aboard for a grand night of rockin' good times!
Nov 5, Sunday • 3:00 pm
TIX $19-49
Bobby Darin was an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, and actor in film and television. He performed in a range of music genres, including jazz, pop, rock’n’roll, folk, swing, and country. He started his show business career as a songwriter for Connie
Francis and achieved world fame in 1958 with his own first million-seller “Splish Splash”.
In this special show, Vegas entertainer Ron Gartner honors the Darin legacy… singing the songs of the swingin'-est guy who ever put on a tux…in a show that covers everything from Darin’s rock ‘n’ roll days to the evening at the Copa.
Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsor
Nov 10, Friday • 7:30 pm
TIX $19-49
Sounding like Queen is not enough for this band. Frontman Emo Alaeddin has a striking resemblance to Freddie Mercury. In addition, his vocal tone and range makes the live shows just like the real thing. Equally important to his vocals and looks are the costumes, which Alaeddin is known to change up to four times in one performance. After all, when it comes to stepping into the shoes of the greatest rockstar ever to walk the earth, authenticity is of the
utmost importance. The Kings of Queen have sold out venues and festivals time and time again since their formation in 2021. Their playlist their greatest hits including Killer Queen, Under Pressure, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody To Love, Don't Stop Me Now, Fat Bottomed Girls, Bohemian Rhapsody, and more.
Presenting Sponsor
• Gary Taylor
Supporting Sponsors
A December To Remember delivers the wonder of Christmas from The Niswonger stage and brings holiday memorymaking home to your family. Four diverse selections reveal the magic of live entertainment and are sure to pack hearts and minds with moments to treasure.
The December to Remember package of shows includes a tapestry of artistry from Ice skating to Broadway, harmony, and comedy. Supporting sponsors making December To Remember at The Niswonger possible are Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry and Slusher's Jewelry.
Christmas Celebration on Ice...................................................Sunday, Dec 3 at 2:00 & 7:00 PM Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Broadway Musical.........Saturday, Dec 9 at 3:00 PM Home Free for the Holidays............................................................Saturday, Dec 16 at 8:00 PM
Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas...Sunday, Dec 17 at 2:00 PM
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Dec 3, Sunday • 2 pm & 7 pm
TIX $35-59
"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…” But not this year thanks to Ice Creative Entertainment’s “Christmas Celebration on Ice!” Debuting in the US this holiday season, the tour includes two shows at The Niswonger for families to enjoy. This on-stage ice skating spectacular turns the stage into a skating rink and brings Christmas magic to The Niswonger. "Christmas Celebration on
Yay!
Kid approved
Ice" will stir things up with high-flying tricks, mesmerizing special effects, classic Christmas stories told with a modern twist, and all your favorite Christmas carols mixed with brandnew songs that are sure to become new family favorites! It’s a Christmas miracle!
Presenting Sponsor
• Revival Design Collective
• Jim & Mary Pope
Supporting Sponsors
• Jeffrey-Mohr Family Dentistry
• Slusher's Jewelry
Dec 9, Saturday • 3:00 pm
TIX $39-79
Rudolph comes to The Niswonger for Christmas 2023! Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer: The Musical is based on the longest-running and highestrated holiday television special ever and, with over 600 performances across the country since 2014, has established itself as a new family holiday tradition!
Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the lovable Abominable Snow Monster,
Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life.
It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us, bringing cheer to the whole family!
Presenting Sponsor
• Revival Design Collective
• Jim & Mary Pope
Supporting Sponsors
• Jeffrey-Mohr Family Dentistry
• Slusher's Jewelry
Dec 16, Saturday • 8:00 pm
All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene, racking up nearly 600,000 album equivalents globally; embarking on major international tours; 630+ MILLION views and over 1.6-MILLION Subscribers on YouTube; and being declared “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country).
They continue a global tour in support of their most recent studio album, So Long Dixie (released November 2022).
The 2023 holiday tour will showcase songs off previous albums, including WARMEST WINTER (2020, Home Free Records), which features 12 festive staples, memorable collaborations and Home Free originals – sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Presenting Sponsor
• Revival Design Collective
• Jim & Mary Pope
Supporting Sponsors
• Jeffrey-Mohr Family Dentistry
• Slusher's Jewelry
Dec 17, Sunday • 2:00 pm
TIX $29-59
And out of the basement shall come a Church Basement program of good tidings, great humor and joy!. The ladies are serving it up again, This time around it’s an all-new holiday show. Troupe America, Inc., the Producer of the nationally acclaimed musical comedy Church Basement Ladies and Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second
Helping opens the holiday season with a new musical comedy Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas.
Away in the Basement takes us back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from past and present.
Away In The Basement is the perfect show for the whole family this Christmas season.
Presenting Sponsor
• Revival Design Collective
• Jim & Mary Pope
Supporting Sponsors
• Jeffrey-Mohr Family Dentistry
• Slusher's Jewelry
GIFTCARDS are a Perfect Fit EVERY Time!
The Niswonger Foundation pledges a return to the Van Wert community as an integral supporter of the Spring Season in 2024. Coming aboard as Founding Sponsor, Scott Niswonger and the Niswonger Foundation have contributed to make this diverse and impressive lineup of shows possible. The Niswonger Foundation is a charitable organization focused on the Learn-EarnReturn method of developing strong communities and devoted leaders.
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center was made possible by the philanthropic investments of community members and businesses who believe in the power of live entertainment. Those commitments are still strong today and pave the way for a 2024 Spring Season of inspiration from the Niswonger stage in Van Wert.
As if memory-making experiences aren't enough, together with these valued partners, Van Wert Live events become a catalyst for economic development which means a better quality of life for everyone in the region. Bringing the good times also means helping make good lives. The 2024 Spring Sponsor Team believes in the value of live entertainment because the fact is true that they believe in the power of YOU!
Jan 28, Sunday • 3:00 pm
TIX $15-39
Dare to experience the thrills and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorers across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every
child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
Now an international smash hit, Dinosaur World Live is back by popular demand following its hugely successful 2022 US tour.
Don't miss this entertaining and mindexpanding jurassic adventure, live on stage. Book before tickets become extinct!
Feb 2, Friday • 7:30 pm TIX $19-69
In 1968 Gary Puckett and The Union Gap had six consecutive gold records and sold more records than any other recording act...including the Beatles.
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap was
Van
one of a very select group of touring acts to achieve prominence worldwide. They played a command performance at the White House for Prince Charles and Princess Anne by special invitation of the President.
In 1974 "Young Girl" was reissued by popular request in England where it reached number five and achieved a
Silver Record Award for the second time. This is a full six years after the song was initially released. The Gary Puckett and The Union Gap's "Greatest Hits" album is one of CBS' best selling "Collector Series" albums today. Hear Gary Puckett & The Union Gap live when they bring their hits to The Niswonger!
Feb 18, Sunday • 3:00 pm
TIX $29-69
Bringing songs and stories from the “Man in Black” to the stage in a way that audiences haven’t seen or heard before. With video of Johnny from episodes of The Johnny Cash TV Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This concert experience will showcase iconic performances from the TV show and highlight the spirit of the legend by revisiting some of his memorable words and anecdotes. Cash will perform some of his biggest hits, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring
of Fire, “And “I Walk the Line,” and share stories of people he met along the way whose causes he championed–the working man from all walks of life. Plus, onstage male and female singers will split vocal duties performing their own takes on Cash hits. The music never stops in this concert event!
FEATURING
I Walk the Line
• Hey Porter
Ballad of a Teenage Queen
Flat Top Box
Ring of Fire
• Big River
• Tennessee
• Folsom Prison Blues
• Flesh and Blood
Train (Theme Song)
•
•
• Ride This
• A Boy Named Sue
• Man In Black • Sunday Morning Coming Down
• Jackson (w. June Carter Cash)
The Barricade Boys West End Party!
Get ready to have your socks knocked off and your heart racing with The Barricade Boys!
These four dazzling performers are taking the world by storm with their electrifying show that will have you tapping your feet, belting out your favourite tunes, and grinning from ear to ear.
From the heart-wrenching emotion of Les Misérables to the toe - tapping harmonies of the Jersey Boys, The Barricade Boys will take you on a musical journey like no other. Throw in a mix of the greatest hits of all time, and The Barricade Boys create the ultimate West End party musical mashup! They will also share stories from some of the biggest shows in the West End, including Wicked, Billy Elliot, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Techincolor Dreamcoat and more. Grab your tickets now and get ready for the ultimate ‘ West End Party ’ with The Barricade Boys!
March 3, Sunday • 7:00 pm TIX $49-89
HER VOICE. HIS VISION. THEIR STORY. ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation: Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Now their story is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics
and audiences alike, with the Chicago Tribune declaring “IT’S A HIT!” and The New York Times cheering, “The very air in the room seems to vibrate in this undeniably crowd-pleasing musical!”
ON YOUR FEET! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quartercentury, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish!
March 23, Saturday • 7:30 pm • TIX $79-169
Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voiceover artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist… Jay Leno is characterized as “the hardest working man in show biz!”
Jay Leno’s late night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the #1-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” –after the first two years Jay Leno never lost a single ratings year in which he served as host.
Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series JAY LENO’S GARAGE now in its seventh season. Jay Leno is also currently hosting “YOU BET YOUR LIFE” and completed the second season returning in syndication in Fall 2022.
When he’s not on TV, Leno performs more than 100 stand-up shows annually across the country and internationally; participates in numerous charity and corporate events, does voice-overs for animated series, pens children’s books, and writes a monthly column in various automotive magazines.
Leno is the recipient of many honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, The Mark Twain Prize, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and more. He and his wife Mavis, an ardent human rights activist, live in Los Angeles.
March 29, Friday • 7:30 pm
TIX $29-89
Foghat recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, and their live performances show why the band is still around. Their music is timeless, and touring is part of their DNA. Foghat’s live show is as intense as ever with the incredible energy and musicianship
that one would expect and hope for from a seasoned band with such a long musical history and they are bringing their fans along for the ride. Not content to rest on their laurels, the band is still releasing new music. You'll hear new tunes as well as old favorites at The Niswonger when Foghat takes the stage.
April 18, Thursday • 7:30 pm
The current cast members of the Emmynominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach.
All ages are welcomed, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used during the performance.
May 4, Saturday
7:30 pm • TIX $19-59
Molly Hatchet firmly cemented their place in music history in the late seventies. They stood alongside other iconic Southern rock bands out of Jacksonville, Florida, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. A perfect mixture of English invasion
rock, blues, country, and gospel is the unique sound of Molly Hatchet.
They were the hardest hitting of the Southern rock bands at the time when, in 1978, Epic Records released Molly Hatchet’s self-titled debut album. It reached multi-platinum status, and the band established their reputation of working hard, playing tough and living fast through intense touring.
During this time, they were on the road
with Aerosmith, Bob Seger, The Rolling Stones, and many others.
Molly Hatchet celebrated their 40th anniversary with a world tour and the release of the double CD and triple vinyl live album titled Battleground, to rave reviews by fans and the press.
After forty plus years Molly Hatchet is still workin’ hard, playin’ tough, livin’ fast, and Flirtin’ with Disaster!
May 10, Friday • 7:30 pm
Immerse yourself in the elaborate world of Bridgerton with a romantic evening of today’s most popular love songs, on a level you’ve never heard live before in this Bridgerton inspired show!
Dallas String Quartet’s elevated electric string performance of songs like Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, paired with a seamless storyline, will entertain and delight. Featuring beautiful arrangements and costumes, you can hear an iconic Bridgerton show like soundtrack while DSQ takes you on a journey as pop goes classical!
With the 2022 release of their seventh album "Love Always" they charted at #2 on the Classical Crossover Album and the Classical Album Billboard charts. DSQ's contemporary interpretations continue to expand their passionate online following on Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube.
We've heard your requests, and we aim to bring you Rock n' Roll straight from the glory days. This package of hard rock begins at $50 when you purchase tickets to all three shows. So get your triple dose of shredding when you order TIX to The Rock Trilogy, only at The Niswonger!
Gary Puckett & the Union Gap
Feb 2, Friday • 7:30 pm
Foghat
March 29, Friday • 7:30 pm
Molly Hatchet
May 4, Saturday • 7:30 pm
TICKETING FEE: $5.00 / Ticket
This fee, though low for the industry, helps cover the cost of entertaining you. Thank You
ticket or digital ticket to be scanned for entry to your seat. If you need assistance, alert the Box Office before entering the hall.
Group outings at the Niswonger are an extraordinary way to entertain clients, motivate staff, spend time with your family or simply provide you with an evening or afternoon of unsurpassed entertainment. With a group of 10 or more, take 10% off when you order your tickets through the Box Office!
CONSUMER WARNING: Please beware of third party sites selling tickets to Van Wert Live events. VANWERTLIVE.COM is the only authorized distributor of tickets for all VWLive concerts and events.
Discover perks that await you with a Family Membership to make your Niswonger Experience its best. More is in store when you Play a Part in the Arts!
VIP Member - $4,000 Tickets Purchased Separately
• 20% Member Discount on VWLive Show Tickets
• VIP Parking Space at The Niswonger
• Personal Seat Selection, 4 Seats Guranteed
• Advanced Ticketing
• VIP Meet & Greets
• Exclusive Member Events & Clinics • Support Recognition
Member Plus - $2,000 Tickets Purchased Separately
• 20% Member Discount on VWLive Show Tickets
• Personal Seat Selection, 2 Seats Guranteed
• Advanced Ticketing
• VIP Meet & Greets
• Exclusive Member Events & Clinics
• Support Recognition
Member - $100 Tickets Purchased Separately
• 10% Member Discount on VWLive Show Tickets
• Advanced Ticketing
• Exclusive Member Events & Clinics
• Support Recognition
The Van Wert Live Team is programming in a dynamic way so that artist offerings stay FRESH! Stay tuned via email for breaking announcements of new artists by signing up for the LiveWire Email Blasts. Visit VANWERTLIVE.COM and click the link in the header, as shown above.
The LiveMic Text List is Van Wert Live right in your pocket! Get direct messages on show releases, news, and opportunities with us. To get alerts on Van Wert Live happenings, scan the QR above to sign up.
Shows marked with a WB icon indicate a date for delicious dining open to Niswonger patrons!